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In one case the Guardians arranged convalescence for a family of four delicate children,
and so enabled the mother to go away for treatment.
It is found that about 1 per cent, (or less) of insured persons read the instructions
printed on their cards, or the declarations they sign. The inevitable result is that muddles
and misunderstandings arise from time to time, and it frequently has to be pointed out that
the fault does not lie with either "Lord George" or "the Government." Occasionally,
too, Insurance agents are slack, and there are delays in payments by Insurance Companies.
Various cases of this description have been dealt with.
Naturally, in Care Committee work, there are many disappointments and discouragements,
and there are many instances of failure to achieve the object aimed at. It is unnecessary to
refer to such cases, except perhaps to remark, in passing, that a failure frequently occupies
more time in the doing than a success.
The Committee would like to offer their thanks to all individuals and organisations who
hare assisted and co-operated during the year.
The three following cases, which have occurred during the year under review, may be
of interest: —
1. A woman, suffering from tuberculosis, was found to be sleeping on an uncomfortable
couch with broken springs; she also required dentures. The Vicar of the rarisli provided
the money for a good second-hand bedstead and mattress. The question of the need of
dentures was placed before the Borough Council, who contributed 23 per cent, of the cost;
the Vicar obtained a Hospital Sunday Fund grant, and the husband paid the balance. Both
bed and dentures were much appreciated.
2. A young widow, owing to ill-health, was found to be practically homeless and
penniless. She had no N.H.I, benefit, because a former employer had refused to stamp her
contribution card. The matter of the insurance was referred to the Divisional Inspectors of
the Ministry of Health, who dealt with it successfully. Meanwhile, convalescence was
arranged for her through the Stafford Charity. Subsequently, when she was fit for work, a
new situation in domestic service was found for her. She has now married again, and has a
home of her own.
3. With the co-operation of the C.O.S. and the I.C.A.A. another family lias been enabled
to "carry on" during the prolonged illness of the bread winners. The father, a timeexpired
soldier, with an exemplary character—but no pension—became ill and was obliged
to give up work, much against his will. He was admitted to hospital, and two children (one
of whom was recovering from rheumatic fever) were sent away for convalescence. The home,
and two other dependent children, were kept going with the father's Sickness Benefit, and
the earnings of the mother and eldest daughter—with a little assistance, for a short time,
from the British Legion. The father had been employed at Buckingham Palace, under a
contractor to H.M. Office of Works, for about 14 years; a few odd debts which had
accumulated, and which were weighing heavily on the man's mind, were wiped off by a
grant of £5 from the King's Privy Purse. The father died. A grant of £10 was sent by
Sir Lionel Earle from a Fund at H.M. Office of Works. The widow obtained a pension of
£10 per annum from the Palmer's Charity for Widows. In a few months time the mother
broke down, and was also found to be suffering from tuberculosis; she was sent to a
Sanatorium. Arrangements had to be made for the home and family in her absence. By
this time two daughters were earning. The two youngest children were boarded with a
relative, who took charge of them for a nominal sum; one child was boarded out by the
I.C.A.A.; arrangements were made for the paying of the rent and insurance. Incidentally,
the landlord was induced to erase from the rent book some arrears of rent he was claiming,
but to which he was not entitled. The mother is now home again, and, until she is fit to
return to her work of office cleaning, she is receiving a supplementary allowance for nourishment
through the C.O.S. There is, however, no hope of this family keeping in good health
until better housing accommodation can be secured. H M M YTHIESON
Hon. Sec. (pro fern.).
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